These “pockets” of antisocial behaviour are being tracked by Inspector Mark Peasgood and his team, who have been working hard to engage with youngsters in Bransholme and deter them from criminal activities.

He said: “We work closely with North Point Shopping Centre manager Louise Smith and we are not naïve enough to say there are not pockets of antisocial behaviour or issues within the community.

“However, these pockets are very isolated, we are on top of issues and we have turned a corner.”

Banning orders and engaging with troublemakers

Inspector Mark Peasgood in North Point Shopping Centre

Ms Smith has reported no current issues to police and Insp Peasgood said that only 10 young people have been banned from the centre for causing trouble.

To tackle young troublemakers, Humberside Police have been engaging with schools in the area as they found a general link between misbehaviour out of school and in the classroom.

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Hull crime news

One of its recent projects – ‘Hope Not Dope’ - has seen police target 10 Bransholme teenagers who were involved in a whopping 218 offences altogether across 2018.

The group, involving 10 to 18-year-olds, embarked on a two-month project allowing them to talk about their experiences growing up in deprived backgrounds with police and other partners providing support to steer them away from negative influences.

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“It’s had a massive impact,” Insp Peasgood said. “We have seen a reduction in the amount of names being implicated in incidents and we helped young people build positive relationships which makes them a part of the community for the future.”

'Gangs can be intimidating'

Gangs have been labelled as 'intimidating'

Insp Peasgood considers North Point Shopping Centre to be the beating heart of Bransholme and he says that as a result, groups will use it as a focal point.

However, the behaviour of some young individuals has caused concern among traders and shoppers with reports of racist slurs, moped riding youths and signs of intimidation.

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Another trader said he often sees groups of youngsters “p*****g about” which creates an unwelcoming atmosphere in the market place. He said: “People don’t want to walk down because they’re all congregating and some of them stand outside the fire exits smoking weed.

“In my eyes it’s antisocial behaviour. They get moved on but they come back.”

'Bransholme people are lovely'

Tim Magee of Magee Hardware

However, not everyone in the market has experienced issues with crime and antisocial behaviour. Michael Naylor and Tim Magee, who run Hi-Tech and Magee Hardware, respectively, believe Bransholme is full of “lovely” people and they enjoy opening up their stalls to trade.

Mr Magee said: “Most people are decent in here. We have no problems and you couldn’t wish to meet nice people. The majority of people are lovely.

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“It acts as a bit of a warning to other people within that group we will deal with criminality and antisocial behaviour positively and it’s about delivering that confidence and reassurance to the public that we will be dealing with issues the public are raising to us.

“The centre is close to two major schools so it is used by pupils on a lunchtime and after school. We are in regular contact with them to identify any problems and conduct assemblies and meetings to stop problems from escalating.”

Targeting the parents

Michael Naylor of Hi-Tech in Bransholme

Many regulars who come to North Point Shopping Centre for their everyday essentials are elderly men and women. One of those is 70-year-old Chris, and she believes that problems with youths stem from the parents.

She said: “They’re not keeping an eye on where their kids are. The parenting skills are not right and they are running riot.”

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Insp Peasgood says that making parents aware of their children’s behaviour is a key aspect of clamping down on troublemakers.

They have recently worked with partner agencies to evict a family in Orchard Park whose child was “key” to antisocial behaviour in the area and banning letters are now also being sent to parents of troublesome children.

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Insp Peasgood said: “If children are engaged in antisocial behaviour we send them a letter highlighting what their behaviour is and the potential implications should it develop.

“This gives them an opportunity to address any issues and become involved in the process because someone we didn’t know whether banning letters were making their way through to parents.”

'I feel safe in North Point'

North Point Shopping Centre manager, Louise Smith

Despite one woman’s concerns over drug-taking in one of the Bransholme garths, which have been the subject of police door knocks as part of the Humber Talking initiative, others generally had no concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour in the area.

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“Just to reassure the public that we are listening to your concerns and I’ve authorised several dispersal notices which gives us a period of time to ban individuals. It is a minority of people and residents have raised that today.”

Insp Peasgood also said that incidents are being “under-reported” and he encouraged anyone with concerns to contact Humberside Police on 101.

Calls can also be made to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and logs can be uploaded to the Humberside Police website.

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